updated 11:20 am EDT, Mon June 13, 2011

TiVo Premiere Q, Preview arrive with new iPad app

TiVo unveiled its first major set-top box updates in some time with its highest end DVR, a new entry box, and an updated iPad app. The Premiere Q is the first quad-tuner set-top box and, as hinted earlier, can tune or record as many as four shows at once, giving a whole home access to DVR. Those who want to use IP-based video can stream three HD feeds at once, either over Ethernet on the local network or the Multimedia over Cable Alliance format.

The Preview in return has no DVR functions of its own and relies on whatever the cable provider offers for traditional TV. Internet features such as Amazon Instant Video or Hulu Plus are in place, however, and it can share media over Ethernet and MoCA like the Premiere Q.

Both boxes are initially destined for cable providers, starting with RCN later this year and followed up by Suddenlink.

The iPad app (yet to be updated, App Store) is now being tuned to please both cable providers and those watching non-traditional media. When on the same network as a TiVo box, it can detect both the regular TV and video on demand content specific to that provider, giving them direct control over what they can play from their existing service. Owners can now 'flick' content from the iPad to the TV to play it instead of the usual menu navigation.